Which Digital Camera Should I Get?

[dxkj]

My film camera got broken about a year ago and I have like zero picks of me and my newly aquired fiance =). Besides that I like to take pictures, and could use it for my Graphics Design class.

Im looking for a digital camera with some zoom (maybe 3x?) that will take good pictures inside and outside in a variety of lights. Im a poor college student but selling one of my other computers so I will have some cash. Any recommendations? I would like this to last a few years. I would like to spend 300 or less

Rechargeable battery is also important, and LCD on the back, not looking for ultra-compact, size isnt too much of an issue.


Thanks in advance!



PS I was looking at a sony DSC 71 or something like that at Target. It was listed at 349, but with my discount i could get it for 279, good or bad?

 

[GTaudiophile]

I personally stick with Canon products. Sony has good hardware, but I don't like their Memory Stick technology. Here are a few good ones in your price range:

Canon PowerShot A40 - $211 (uses AA batteries)
Canon PowerShot S330 - $319
Canon PowerShot S30 - $342

Nikon CoolPix 2500 - $221
Nikon CoolPix 3500 - $306

Of those listed, I'd spring for the Canon S330. If you'd prefer to sacrifice size for more manual features, then consider the S30.

For more specs on all of these cameras, visit either PowerShot.com or Nikon-CoolPix.com. For in-depth reviews, visit DPreview.com.

 

[ElFenix]

s30, very configurable and theres very little noise in the iso400 setting compared to the s40, which is good for indoor shots that work with less light.

 

[mikable]

I recommend Canon also! I have a s30 and it has yet to fail to impress me.

Want just point and click get the S330

Want more manual control get the S30 (point and click included too!)

 

[IQJUMPuw]

Get either Canon S30 or Olympus C-4000. C-4000 is a bit expensive, but it's worth every penny. I believe S30 goes for around $320-350 and C-4000 goes for around $390-450.

Have fun choosing!

 

[ElFenix]

hot!

 

[JeremiahTheGreat]

I too recommend the S30, i personally own the S40 and its the best! Clearests shots, with the best colour compared wif that of my friends. Hopefully the only difference b/n s30 and s40 is the pixel, otherwise ignore this.

 

[newbiepcuser]

Another vote for the s30.

Just got it from Dell. Pretty sweet camera.

 

[p1800volvo]

Love my Canon G3, but it is not what you are looking for. The best bang for your buck, IMHO is the Minolta F100.

4MP, 3X Optical, 2.5X digital Zoom.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bh5.sph/FrameWork.class?FNC=ProductActivator__Aproductlist_html___250160___MIDF100___REG___CatID=1082___SID=F39E1615ED0

 

[dxkj]

thanks for your posts so far, im looking through the links


Im definitely looking closely at the S30 and S330

 

[dxkj]

ok the target near me has the Canon S30 for 399, I can get 20% off to make it 320, does anyone know any coupons or rebates for this camera?

thanks


this would be compared to the gateway deal, for the same camera and a 128mb flash for 356 shipped (I already have 1 128mb CF and could pick up another one for 40 shipped. Makes it about the same i guess..

 

[blues008]

You can get the Canon S30 with 128mb compact flash from gateway:

Link!

 

[dxkj]

Heh thanks for the link again but someone already posted it up above, and I am currently considering that as one of my options

 

[MJ99]

bought a cannon a40 last summer and no complaints. picture look very good.

a couple of suggestions.
get one that can use aa batteries, compaq flash and compare optical not digital zoom.

 

[NokiaDude]

Kodak has a cheap $99 2 megapixel camera that I think is great! It takes up to 1600x1200 pictures and adjusts to light very well. Tres bien, in my opinion!

 

[dxkj]

I think im going to pick up a Canon S30 today at target for 320, the battery life is acceptable (170 pictures with LCD on, more than I will have room for with my 128MB CF card), and all the features seem more than adequate. I was considering getting a good enough camera for like 200-250 but since I plan on keeping it a while might as well get this one.


thanks for your help guys

 

[Boobers]

I just bought a Canon S45 and I love it. Plus it has better auto-focus than the S30 or S40 and can record movies and sound bytes for each picture...

BTW, here is a great digital camera review site you may want to check out.

 

[dxkj]

Ok target doesnt have the S30 in stock now so I have time to decide what I want again without impulse buying...


I also saw a Olympus 4000 C there for 449, any opinions on that?

 

[GTaudiophile]

Originally posted by: dxkj
Ok target doesnt have the S30 in stock now so I have time to decide what I want again without impulse buying...


I also saw a Olympus 4000 C there for 449, any opinions on that?

Is there more than one Target in your area? Why not buy online?

Edit: I'd ask for when they'll have them back in stock and wait. Canons are worth the wait over other brands

 

[dxkj]

I still might do that, I just decided in a day or two of reviews etc, that I wanted the S30, so another day or so wait wont kill me and allow me to look over more cameras.

Chances are I will get the camera at target though, since I have 20% off there.

 

[dxkj]

Ok, ordered the Camera from Gateway.


349
- 20 coupon AOLOFF
+ 9 2 day shipping
------
339 for Canon Powershot S30 + 128MB Compact Flash

 

[RossMAN]

Originally posted by: dxkj
Ok, ordered the Camera from Gateway.


349
- 20 coupon AOLOFF
+ 9 2 day shipping
------
339 for Canon Powershot S30 + 128MB Compact Flash

Good choice, that's what you should have done in the first place

 

[dxkj]

yeah except now I get an email saying, sorry, after letting you wait a week. the day before the "eta" of your camera, we are now out of stock, and you have to go elsewhere.

Thats annoying back to the drawing board.

 

[wyckedcool]

I just order'd the Olympus C-4000. Paid $342.00 + $14.95 S&H here I'm very excited and can't wait to get it. It's gotten great reviews just about everywhere I've researched it.

 

[JDub02]

Originally posted by: wyckedcool
I just order'd the Olympus C-4000. Paid $342.00 + $14.95 S&H here I'm very excited and can't wait to get it. It's gotten great reviews just about everywhere I've researched it.

A friend has the 3020 (3 MP version) and you might want to look into picking up another lens cap. I don't like the Olympus one. Check here ..

Olympus Cap